[The logical side of him knew this was inevitable; the prideful lion in him swore he could prevent it at all costs. While it's not something that threatens his way of life, per se, it's something awkward and inconvenient, and the less they speak about personal issues, the better.]
[Hm?]
No, [He reassures Alex. He would've stepped out into the hall, disheveled thing that he is right now. He would have prevented this encounter at any cost. But it's fine. Everything is fine. At least that's what the pills derived from Valerian are telling him. Mello notices the retraction, the way Alex presents herself in the same manner she presented when he arrived at the tavern for the first time. He scrunches his brow, places a hand on her wrist for... something resembling comfort. He doesn't know. It's always a bad time where he and L are concerned; the realization jolts him more than it should.] You're okay. [He reassures her in more ways than one. If anyone were out to do her harm, Mello would stop them in their tracks.]
This is Linden. [The title which follows is strange on his tongue.] My Bonded.
[He nods towards the counter. None of them should be sober right now; he'll make sure of that with the copious stash he's nicked from the tavern.]
This is Alex.
[He offers L a grave look. Don't fuck this up for me, please.]
no subject
[Hm?]
No, [He reassures Alex. He would've stepped out into the hall, disheveled thing that he is right now. He would have prevented this encounter at any cost. But it's fine. Everything is fine. At least that's what the pills derived from Valerian are telling him. Mello notices the retraction, the way Alex presents herself in the same manner she presented when he arrived at the tavern for the first time. He scrunches his brow, places a hand on her wrist for... something resembling comfort. He doesn't know. It's always a bad time where he and L are concerned; the realization jolts him more than it should.] You're okay. [He reassures her in more ways than one. If anyone were out to do her harm, Mello would stop them in their tracks.]
This is Linden. [The title which follows is strange on his tongue.] My Bonded.
[He nods towards the counter. None of them should be sober right now; he'll make sure of that with the copious stash he's nicked from the tavern.]
This is Alex.
[He offers L a grave look. Don't fuck this up for me, please.]
We work together at the tavern.
[And that? Is all L needs to know for now.]